DILI, 06 March 2025 (TATOLI) – On this day, 6 March 2018, at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, in the presence of the UN’s Secretary-General, António Guterres, Timor-Leste and Australia signed the Treaty Establishing the Maritime Boundaries in the Timor Sea between the two countries.
“The signing of the Treaty was a significant success for both countries in achieving a peaceful resolution of a complex maritime dispute between two close neighbors, using a mechanism called compulsory conciliation under Article 298 (1) and Annex V of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” said in a statement.
The statement read: “The Treaty allows Timor-Leste to exercise sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its maritime areas and resources in the Timor Sea. This includes benefiting from the financial rewards from the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas resources and the development of Timor-Leste’s Blue Economy, which will ensure the future prosperity of the Timorese people.”
The treaty establishes a framework to jointly develop the Greater Sunrise gas fields for the benefit of both countries. It also reflects a partnership between two countries which are bound by geography and deep ties of history and friendship.
The Treaty also further strengthens bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Australia, especially regarding maritime cooperation.
The then Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said: “The outcome is a milestone for the parties and for UNCLOS and international law. It reinforces our respect for, and the importance of, the international rules-based order in resolving disputes.”
Meanwhile, the then Vice Prime Minister for the Delimitation of Borders and the current Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, said: “This treaty marks a historic landmark for Timor-Leste and for the friendship between Timor-Leste and Australia. Thanks to the strong commitment of the leadership of both countries to this conciliation process, we have arrived at an agreement on maritime boundaries that is equitable and consistent with international law.”
Timor-Leste’s Chief Negotiator, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, said: “History is made today as Timor-Leste signs a treaty on permanent maritime boundaries that establishes, for the first time, a fair border between our two countries based on international law. We thank the Commission for its patience, wisdom, and trust, and the Australian representatives for their constructive engagement and spirit of cooperation. This moment also provides hope for the peaceful resolution of disputes around the world.”
Australia and Timor-Leste both expressed their gratitude to the five eminent Commissioners of the United Nations Conciliation Commission, led by Chair H.E. Ambassador Peter Taksøe-Jensen, for their great dedication and professionalism in helping to forge an agreement.
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